Facebook Marketplace has become a go-to platform for buying and selling used cars. With its ease of use, local reach and no listing fees, it offers a convenient way to find great deals close to home. But with that convenience comes increased risk. As the platform grows in popularity, so too does the number of scammers who are ready to take advantage of unsuspecting users.
Fraudsters often create fake car listings, use misleading payment tactics, or misrepresent the condition and history of vehicles. These scams can catch out both buyers and sellers, often resulting in financial loss and emotional distress.
A 2024 study by NatWest highlights the growing scale of the problem. It found that scams on social media marketplaces are among the fastest-growing types of fraud. Around 25% of 18–34-year-olds said they had come across fake profiles promoting non-existent products within the past year. Given the high value of vehicles, car scams are an especially attractive target for scammers.
Understanding how these scams operate and recognising the warning signs can go a long way in helping you stay safe. In this article, we will explore the most common Facebook Marketplace car scams, how they work and what to do if you have been affected. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your money.
How Do Facebook Marketplace Car Scams Work?
Scammers use a range of tactics to trick people on Facebook Marketplace. They might:
- List vehicles that do not exist or are not theirs to sell
- Ask for upfront payments and then disappear
- Hide or alter important vehicle details and documents
- Pose as genuine buyers to deceive honest sellers
Many of these scams rely on creating urgency or false trust to push people into making quick decisions.
Although Facebook has introduced some protections, such as user ratings and reporting tools, these are not foolproof. The platform cannot fully prevent fraud, which is why it is so important to stay alert and know where to turn for help.
At CEL Solicitors, we offer expert support for fraud victims, including legal assistance to help recover lost funds. Visit our fraud recovery page to learn more about how we can help.
Facebook Marketplace Car Scams to Watch Out For
Fake Car Listings
One of the most common types of scams involves fake listings. These often feature vehicles priced well below market value to attract attention. Once someone expresses interest, the scammer pressures them to send a deposit or full payment in advance, only to vanish without a trace.
How to spot fake listings:
- Prices that are significantly lower than average
- Sellers who refuse to meet in person
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency
Title Washing Scams
Some sellers attempt to hide a vehicle’s history by altering the documents. This is known as title washing, where details about previous damage, insurance write-offs or thefts are removed or covered up.
How to protect yourself:
- Get a vehicle history report from a trusted provider such as Experian’s AutoCheck
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and ensure it matches all official documents
- Avoid any seller who is unwilling to share proper paperwork
Fake Escrow or Payment Protection Services
A scammer may claim that Facebook, PayPal or another company is holding your payment in “escrow” until the sale is completed. This is often backed up by fake emails or documents.
Escrow refers to a system where a trusted third party holds money during a transaction, releasing it once both sides have fulfilled their obligations. It is meant to offer added protection, but Facebook Marketplace does not offer any escrow service.
How to avoid this scam:
- Be cautious of anyone claiming to use Facebook’s “payment protection” or escrow services
- Confirm payment directly through your bank or payment provider
- Never agree to pay using vouchers, wire transfers or digital currencies
Stolen or Cloned Vehicles
In some cases, criminals try to sell stolen or cloned vehicles. Cloning involves changing a car’s VIN to match that of a legally registered vehicle, making it harder to detect as stolen.
How to identify a cloned or stolen car:
- Check the VIN in several places on the car, such as the dashboard, door frame and engine bay
- Use services like Gov.uk’s MOT history checker and the AA Car Check to verify the vehicle’s background
- Be wary of sellers who insist on cash-only payments or cannot provide valid paperwork
How to Protect Yourself from Facebook Marketplace Car Scams
Meet in a Safe Location for Transactions
Always meet the seller in a public place with good lighting and, ideally, CCTV coverage — for example, outside a busy shopping centre or petrol station during daylight hours. Bring someone with you if possible and avoid isolated locations. If you’re purchasing a car, consider arranging the meeting near a garage or local dealership where the vehicle can be inspected professionally.
Verify the Seller’s Identity and Listing Details
Do some quick checks before going any further:
- Look at the seller’s profile and see if it is newly created or has little activity
- Ask for a phone or video call to confirm their identity
- Request documents such as the logbook (V5C), service records and MOT history
Never Make Payments in Advance
Do not transfer any money before seeing the car in person and verifying it is genuine. Use secure payment methods and always ask for a written and signed bill of sale.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed on Facebook Marketplace
Being scammed can be a deeply upsetting experience. You may feel shocked, embarrassed or angry, especially if you have lost money, you worked hard to save. Please know that you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to begin putting things right.
Here is what you should do next:
1. Report the scam to Facebook to help stop the fraudster from targeting others
2. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to see if the transaction can be reversed or flagged
3.Report the incident to the police, especially if a significant sum of money has been lost
4. Gather evidence, including screenshots, payment records and chat messages
5. Keep a close eye on your financial accounts for any signs of further suspicious activity
At CEL Solicitors, we understand how distressing these situations can be, and we are here to support you through the recovery process. We have helped hundreds of victims of online fraud take back control and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Stay Safe When Buying Cars on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to buy or sell a car locally, but staying alert to potential scams is vital. Look out for red flags such as unusually low prices, evasive sellers and unusual payment requests. Take your time, trust your instincts and never be afraid to walk away from a deal that feels wrong.
If you have been the victim of a Facebook Marketplace car scam, we are here to help. CEL Solicitors recently supported a client who was scammed on eBay while trying to buy a car, helping them recover £4,800 they thought was lost for good. Read the full story here to see how we could help you, too. Just tell CEL. Complete an online form, or call 0330 029 5121 to start your claim.
